Bates County, Missouri

Survey Area MO013• Missouri

The dominant drainage class is Moderately well drained and the dominant hydrologic group is D (very slow infiltration, high runoff). The most common soil order is Mollisols — grassland soils with a thick, dark, fertile topsoil rich in organic matter. This report summarizes the major soil map units across the survey area to help you understand what to expect when buying, building, or gardening in Bates County, Missouri. Search your address to find the exact soil composition, drainage, and series details at your specific location.

Soil Map Unit	Acres	Drainage	Hydro Group	Dwellings	Septic
Kenoma silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	186K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Summit silty clay loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes	47K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Hartwell silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes	38K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Eram-Balltown complex, 5 to 20 percent slopes	33K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Verdigris silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, occasionally flooded	29K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Deepwater silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	26K	Moderately well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Osage silty clay, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	22K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Coweta loam, 5 to 14 percent slopes	21K	Well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Eram silt loam, 2 to 5 percent slopes, eroded	16K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bates loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	14K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Osage silty clay loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes, frequently flooded	12K	Poorly drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Verdigris silt loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes, frequently flooded	11K	Well drained	B	Very limited	Very limited
Bucyrus silty clay loam, 1 to 3 percent slopes	10K	Moderately well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Eram silt loam, 5 to 9 percent slopes	9K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Kanima silty clay loam, 15 to 50 percent slopes	8K	Well drained	C	Very limited	Very limited
Brazilton silt loam, 1 to 5 percent slopes	7K	Moderately well drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Bates loam, 3 to 7 percent slopes, eroded	7K	Well drained	C	Somewhat limited	Very limited
Okemah silt loam, 0 to 2 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat poorly drained	C/D	Very limited	Very limited
Balltown very flaggy silt loam, 5 to 20 percent slopes	6K	Somewhat excessively drained	D	Very limited	Very limited
Hepler silt loam, 0 to 1 percent slopes, rarely flooded	5K	Somewhat poorly drained	C	Very limited	Very limited

Soil Orders in This Area

The USDA classifies every soil into one of 12 soil orders. Here are the dominant orders found in this survey area.

Mollisols

Fertile grassland soils with thick, dark topsoil. Among the best for agriculture, building, and gardening.

Vertisols

High-clay soils that shrink and swell dramatically. Fertile but challenging for foundations and septic systems.

Alfisols

Moderately weathered forest soils with clay-enriched subsoil. Productive for agriculture, generally good for building and septic.

Entisols

Young soils with little development — found on floodplains, dunes, and steep slopes. Properties vary widely by setting.

What This Means

Building & Foundations

About 90% of soils are rated "very limited" for dwellings with basements. Specific challenges include shallow bedrock, steep slopes, poor drainage in some areas, flood-prone areas. A geotechnical assessment is recommended before building.

Septic Systems

About 100% of soils are rated "very limited" for septic absorption fields. Despite good drainage overall, limitations may stem from shallow bedrock, steep slopes, or seasonal conditions. Engineered or alternative systems are frequently required. Always get a professional perc test before purchasing land that needs septic.

Gardening & Agriculture

Drainage is generally favorable for gardening. Adding compost and mulch will improve fertility and water retention. Test your soil's pH before planting — most vegetables prefer 6.0-7.0.